On Tuesday, the Portuguese Navy—through the Funchal Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Sub-Centre (MRSC Funchal)—coordinated the medical evacuation of a 65-year-old Swiss national. The man was aboard the Swiss-flagged sailboat “Metanoia 2,” which was sailing approximately 159 nautical miles (about 294 kilometers) northwest of Madeira Island.
According to a press release, MRSC Funchal received an alert stating that a crew member required medical evacuation after suffering a fall on board. The Maritime Urgent Patient Observation Centre (CODUMAR) was contacted and, after assessing the crew member’s condition, determined that a medical evacuation was necessary.
To carry this out, a Portuguese Air Force EH-101 helicopter was deployed; given the victim’s clinical condition, a Rapid Intervention Medical Team (EMIR)—activated by the Regional Civil Protection Service (SRPC IP-RAM)—was also on board. Subsequently, the victim was transported to a hospital by the Santa Cruz Fire Department. The local Maritime Police command took charge of the incident.
